It is true that so many people in Europe speak English that there is little need to learn another language for travel on the continent. I have travelled extensively in Europe and spent months learning German, but even in Germany, when one hears my accent, all responses come back to me in English even though I speak to assistants, people, attendants in German. It is very frustrating and makes it hard to practise the language, although they are trying to be polite. People need to realise that it is not simply British arrogance, rather quite the opposite.

Don't forget to learn to say "One of those please" in the language of the place you are visiting. It works wonders!

Mmmmmmm? Nevermind non-English speaking countries. I can think of plenty of places in England where although they speak English it is almost impossible to undertand a word of what is being spoken. :)

And this is a recent study? What's new? I could have told you about the arrogance of English travellers 30 years ago. Especially the one's who call the French arrogant because they don't speak english to them in France!

What i find worse is ppl mocking english that isn't right - and expecting perfectly spoken and written english - normally from ppl that cant say the basic's in a foreign language.

I think the context of the real story is totally lost by the writer - Why is there no mention of British people learning to say hello, goodbye, thank you and alike when they go overseas, which they most certainly do.

Arthur, you should travel yourself and perhaps you might not make such uneducated statements. There are plenty of Kiwi's in the UK hunting down Tui beer and Kiwi food. And why not? Of course we all like a bit of 'home' while we're overseas. To suggest poms do a lesser job than us of learning lingo and trying foreign food is just ignorant.

Learning the basics of any language for the country you go to is as important as packing and getting to the airport on time. Ignoring cultures and customs is arrogant and normally the same people who do this are the first to complain when others don't do the same in their country.

reminds me of when my parents went to Europe, which included a week in Paris. Someone taught them how to say "do you speak English". I made sure I taught them how to say "I do not speak French, do you speak English" (Je ne parle pas le francais, parlez-vous anglais)... The reaction they got at the pharmacy was much warmer than the person who went in after them and just asked if the pharmacist spoke english, and did it in english!

I'm a firm believer in trying to learn to say Hello, thank you etc, and its a big plus to be able to say "I dont speak your language" in their language, however badly you pronounce it - at least you are giving it a go!

Considering we are discussing a people that expect every major European holiday destination to have a British pub selling British beer and food this should come as no surprise. As to just language, however, I'd not expect NZers or Aussies to fare any better.

No surprises there!!

Learning the lingo has a huge impact on my holidays. I always try to learn the basics "Hello" "Thank you" "How Much?" etc to all locations I go to. As a result, the locals treat you way better than the snobs who don't bother.